Portable telephone device

ABSTRACT

The invention aims at upgrading the operability of a portable telephone set by providing a linkage between the telephone function and the internet connection function. 
     The invention provides call connection request acceptance means and system control means in a portable telephone set equipped with internet information transmission/reception means and call means to make possible conversation via a call during internet connection; output means to facsimile and internet information storage means to allow internet information to be output to a facsimile; telephone number/e-mail address storage means to report an unanswered terminating call to a specified mail address; reading-off means to read off internet information as a voice; and timer means, image input means and voice input means to send audio, image and/or video information cyclically or on demand.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a portable telephone set and inparticular to a portable telephone set equipped with the internetconnection function.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A related art portable telephone set equipped with the internetconnection function and/or facsimile function is known. An example of aportable telephone set equipped with the internet connection functionand/or facsimile function will be explained below.

The “car navigation apparatus” disclosed in the Japanese PatentPublication No. 10-260047/(1998) is apparatus equipped with theinternet-ready telephone function integrated with the car navigationfunction. The telephone set is composed of a car navigation systemprovided with a portable telephone set as communications apparatus,modem apparatus to allow data communications, an internet communicationprocessor as a processor necessary to support the internet technology, ahandset, and a remote controller. The telephone set has three functions,car navigation, portable telephone set and internet communications. Theuser can communicate with a distant party via the portable telephonefunction while checking the position of his/her car via the carnavigation function.

The “portable telephone set equipped with the facsimile function”disclosed in the Japanese Patent Publication No. 10-112765/(1998) is aportable telephone set that ensures easy facsimile communications. Inthe dial information memory provided in the telephone set circuit, nameinformation on a plurality of persons and corresponding home telephonenumbers, portable telephone numbers, and facsimile numbers areregistered. In the facsimile mode, the name information with thefacsimile information registered is displayed on input display unitapart from the remaining name information.

The related art portable telephone set had a problem that the linkagebetween the internet connection function and the telephone function wasnot good thus resulting in poor operability for the user of a portabletelephone set.

The invention has been proposed to solve the aforementioned problemswith the related art and aims at providing a portable telephone set witheasy operability by supporting a linkage between the telephone functionand the internet connection function.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In order to solve the problems, a portable telephone set according tothe invention comprises internet connection means, call means, callconnection request acceptance means, and control means for starting acall by controlling the call means depending on signals from the callconnection request acceptance means indicating call termination or callorigination during internet connection. Via this configuration, it ispossible to make conversation while referring to or sending internetinformation.

Preferably, a portable telephone set according to the inventioncomprises means for converting received internet information to afacsimile signal which is then output to an external component. Via thisconfiguration, it is possible to output a printed image while referringto the internet information.

Preferably, a portable telephone set according to the inventioncomprises means for automatically originating to a prespecified mailaddress in case an incoming call is not answered. Via thisconfiguration, it is possible to know the unanswered incoming call eventvia the internet.

Preferably, a portable telephone set according to the inventioncomprises means for notifying the mail address of a person that hasattempted the unanswered call of another contact used in case theincoming call to the portable telephone set is not answered. Via thisconfiguration, it is possible to send a mail that notifies the distantparty of another contact in case a terminating call is not answered.

Preferably, a portable telephone set according to the inventioncomprises means for reading off internet information as a voice. Viathis configuration, it is possible to hear the acquired internetinformation as a voice.

Preferably, a portable telephone set according to the inventioncomprises timer means, image input means, voice input means, and meansfor sending the information around the portable telephone set to theinternet every specific interval. Via this configuration, it is possibleto cyclically send information such as voices and images to theinternet.

Preferably, a portable telephone set according to the inventioncomprises image input means, voice input means, and means for sendinginformation around the portable telephone set to the internet accordingto a request from outside. Via this configuration, it is possible tosend information such as voices and images to the internet in responseto a request from outside.

Preferably, a portable telephone set according to the inventioncomprises means for sending another contact to the facsimile number of aperson that has attempted the unanswered call, used in case a call isnot answered by a portable telephone set. Via this configuration, it ispossible to notify the distant party of an unanswered terminating callvia facsimile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a portabletelephone set according to the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows an example of a directory in the portable telephone setaccording to the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart explaining the mail sending operation triggeredwhen a terminating call to a portable telephone set according to theembodiment of the invention is not answered;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart explaining the facsimile sending operationtriggered when a terminating call to a portable telephone set accordingto the embodiment of the invention is not answered.

In the figures, 1 represents internet information transmission/receptionmeans, 2 call means, 3 call connection request acceptance means, 4telephone number/e-mail address storage means, 5 system control means, 6internet information display means, 7 output means to facsimile, 8internet information storage means, 9 key input means, 10 a display, 11reading-off means, 12 timer means, 13 image input means, and 14 voiceinput means.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The embodiment of the invention will be detailed referring to FIGS. 1through 4.

(Embodiment)

The embodiment of the invention is a portable telephone set that allowsconversation while connected to the internet, reading-off or facsimiletransmission of received internet information, transmission of imageinformation and audio information around the portable telephone set tothe internet, and notification of the mail address or facsimile numberof the distant party of another contact, etc. in case a terminating callis not answered.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a portable telephone setaccording to the embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 1, internetinformation transmission/reception means 1 is means fortransmitting/receiving internet information via suitable protocol suchas TCP/IP protocol. Call means 2 is means for transmitting/receivingsound signals. Call connection request acceptance means 3 is means foraccepting call origination requests or call termination requests.Telephone number/e-mail address storage means 4 is a memory as adirectory mail address book. System control means 5 is means forperforming centralized control of the entire system. Internetinformation display means 6 is apparatus for converting mail/home pagedata to display data. Output means to facsimile 7 is means forconverting data to a facsimile signal and sending the facsimile signal.Internet information storage means 8 is a memory for storing receivedinternet information. Key input means 9 is a keyboard for enteringtelephone numbers, etc. Display 10 is a display unit such as a liquidcrystal display. Reading-off means 11 is means for converting textinformation to a sound signal. Timer means 12 is an interval timer forgenerating signals every specific interval. Image input means 13 is astill camera or a video camera. Voice input means 14 is a microphone.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a directory in the portable telephone setaccording to the embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchartexplaining the mail sending operation triggered when a terminating callto a portable telephone set according to the embodiment of the inventionis not answered. FIG. 4 is a flowchart explaining the facsimile sendingoperation triggered when a terminating call to a portable telephone setaccording to the embodiment of the invention is not answered.

Operation of the portable telephone set configured as mentioned earlieraccording to the embodiment of the invention will be explained. First,transmission/reception on internet information will be explained.Internet information is sent/received via the internet informationtransmission/reception means 1 in FIG. 1. The received information isstored in the internet information storage means 8 then displayed viathe display 10. To browse internet information successively, theprocedure is repeated. In case an incoming call terminates, the callconnection request acceptance means 4 accepts the connection request.When the connection request is accepted, conversation starts by the callmeans 2 by way of the system control means 5. Thus, by performinginternet communications while being engaged in a call, conversationreferring to the internet information is allowed. Voice communicationsis allowed while referring to and updating internet information.

Next, operation of outputting internet information to a facsimile viathe output means to facsimile 7. The internet information stored in theinternet information storage means 8 is sent in a format that can bereceived by a facsimile via output means to facsimile 7. The facsimileformat may be a standard output format that can be recognized by forexample a G3 or G4 facsimile, etc. Alternatively, the format may be anymeans for outputting a printed image via a network. For example, theformat may be output as a script and data for controlling a printer. Theformat may be output as a printed image on an ordinary printer. In naycase, by providing means for allowing output as a printed image, theuser can output a printed image on the spot while browsing internetinformation, thereby considerably enhancing the operability.

In the third place, operation of converting the acquired internetinformation to voice data via the reading-off means 11 will beexplained. Text information of the internet is output from the receiveror a speaker of a portable telephone set as a voice. For voiceregeneration in a call, a voice to be sent to the distant part is alsomixed as well as the receiving voice so that internet information can beprovided to the distant party as audio information. It is thus possibleto provide the distant party with internet information whileconversation is in progress.

In the fourth place, operation of sending image information and audioinformation on a routine basis via the timer means 12, image input means13 and the voice input means 14 will be explained. The timer meansissues a information transmission request to the system control meansevery specific interval. Correspondingly, the system control meansacquires the situation around the portable telephone set via the imageinput means and the voice input means, controls the internet informationtransmission/reception means and sends the information to a presetdestination on the internet. Trigger for transmission of information maybe for example drop of residual battery power of the portable telephoneset or variation in field strength monitored by the portable telephoneset and resulting constant level above predetermined value, as well asan interval-based request from the timer. In response to a request fromoutside, the situation around the portable telephone set is acquired viathe image input means and the voice input means, which information issent to a requesting distant party or a preset internet destination asimage (still image and moving picture) information and audio informationvia the internet information transmission/reception means. A requestfrom the outside may be any desired form. For example, a terminatingcall to the portable telephone set may be used as a trigger. Orreception of a message service or an e-mail may be used as a trigger.

In the fifth place, operation in response to an unanswered incoming callis explained. In case an incoming call to a portable telephone set isnot answered by the user of the portable telephone set, the telephonenumber of the caller and the event of the unanswered call are sent to ane-mail address preset by the user of the portable telephone set. In caseinformation corresponding to the calling number is present in thetelephone number/e-mail address storage means 4, the information is alsosent. Such information includes for example the name of a person,facsimile number, e-mail address and home page address. A function maybe added whereby the sender information of the received message and textmessage contents are sent to an e-mail address preset by the user of theportable telephone set also when a text message service is received.

In the sixth place, operation via a mail in response to an unansweredincoming call is explained referring to FIGS. 2 and 3. In case the userof the portable telephone set does not answer the incoming call, themail address of the person that attempted the unanswered call isidentified based on the calling number notice of the originator of theunanswered call. Information in FIG. 2 is stored in the telephonenumber/e-mail address storage means in the portable telephone set. Incase the number information of the distant party at call termination is03-333-3333, the corresponding mail address yamada@kkk.jp is read, towhich an e-mail is sent. The contents of the e-mail may be any messageto the person that attempted call termination. For example, means forcontact is reported such as the telephone number of another contact ormail address. While this example assumes operation in response to afirst unanswered terminating call, mail transmission may be triggeredwhen a preset number of unanswered terminating calls are placed. Settingso that information is sent via mails to callers having the highestpriority to be reached alone can prevent transmission of unnecessarymails.

In the seventh place, operation via facsimile in response to anunanswered incoming call is explained referring to FIG. 4. In case theuser of the portable telephone set does not answer the incoming call,the facsimile number of the person that attempted the unanswered call isidentified based on the calling number notice of the originator of theunanswered call. Information in FIG. 2 is stored in the telephonenumber/e-mail address storage means in the portable telephone set. Incase the number information of the distant party at call termination is03-333-3333, the corresponding facsimile number 03-333-3366 is acquired,to which a facsimile message is sent. The contents of the facsimile maybe any message to the person that attempted call termination. Forexample, means for contact is reported such as the telephone number ofanother contact or mail address. While this example assumes operation inresponse to a first unanswered terminating call, facsimile transmissionmay be triggered when a preset number of unanswered terminating callsare placed. Setting so that information is sent via facsimile to callershaving the highest priority to be reached alone can prevent transmissionof unnecessary facsimiles.

As mentioned earlier, the embodiment of the invention allowsconversation while connected to the internet, reading-off or facsimiletransmission of received internet information, transmission of imageinformation and audio information around the portable telephone set tothe internet, and notification of the mail address or facsimile numberof the distant party of another contact, etc. in case a terminating callis not answered. This upgrades the operability of the portable telephoneset equipped with the internet connection function.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As understood from the foregoing description, a portable telephone setaccording to the invention comprises internet connection means, callmeans, call connection request acceptance means, and control means forstarting a call by controlling the call means depending on signals fromthe call connection request acceptance means indicating call terminationor call origination during internet connection. This configuration hasan advantage that it is possible to make conversation while referring toor sending internet information.

A portable telephone set according to the invention comprises means forconverting received internet information to a facsimile signal which isthen output to an external component. This configuration has anadvantage that it is possible to know an unanswered terminating call viathe internet.

A portable telephone set according to the invention comprises means forautomatically originating to a prespecified mail address in case anincoming call is not answered. This configuration has an advantage thatit is possible to know the unanswered incoming call event via theinternet.

A portable telephone set according to the invention comprises means fornotifying the mail address of a person that has attempted the unansweredcall of another contact used in case the incoming call to the portabletelephone set is not answered. This configuration has an advantage thatit is possible to send a mail that notifies the distant party of anothercontact in case a terminating call is not answered.

A portable telephone set according to the invention comprises means forreading off internet information as a voice. This configuration has anadvantage that it is possible to hear the acquired internet informationas a voice.

A portable telephone set according to the invention comprises timermeans, image input means, voice input means, and means for sending theinformation around the portable telephone set to the internet everyspecific interval. This configuration has an advantage that it ispossible to cyclically send information such as voices and images to theinternet.

A portable telephone set according to the invention comprises imageinput means, voice input means, and means for sending information aroundthe portable telephone set to the internet according to a request fromoutside. This configuration has an advantage that it is possible to sendinformation such as voices and images to the internet in response to arequest from outside.

A portable telephone set according to the invention comprises means forsending via facsimile another contact used in case a call is notanswered by a portable telephone set to the facsimile number of a personthat has attempted the unanswered call. This configuration has anadvantage that it is possible to notify the distant party of anunanswered terminating call via facsimile.

1. A portable telephone comprising: internet connection means fortransmitting/receiving internet information; call means fortransmitting/receiving sound signals; call connection request acceptancemeans for accepting call origination requests and call terminationrequests; control means for starting a call during an internetconnection, wherein said control means controls said call meansdepending on signals from said call connection request acceptance meansindicating call termination or call origination; and means forautomatically sending information corresponding to an incoming call to aprespecified mail address when an the incoming call is not answered. 2.A portable telephone comprising: internet connection means fortransmitting/receiving internet information; call means fortransmitting/receiving sound signals; call connection request acceptancemeans for accepting call origination requests and call terminationrequests; control means for starting a call during an internetconnection, wherein said control means controls said call meansdepending on signals from said call connection request acceptance meansindicating call termination or call origination; and means for notifyinga mail address of a caller of other contact information when a call fromthe caller to the portable telephone set is not answered.
 3. A portabletelephone comprising: internet connection means fortransmitting/receiving internet information; call means fortransmitting/receiving sound signals; call connection request acceptancemeans for accenting call origination requests and call terminationrequests; control means for starting a call during an internetconnection, wherein said control means controls said call meansdepending on signals from said call connection request acceptance meansindicating call termination or call origination; and means forconverting text information to voice data, wherein voice data is outputas audio.
 4. A portable telephone comprising: internet connection meansfor transmitting/receiving internet information; call means fortransmitting/receiving sound signals; call connection request acceptancemeans for accepting call origination requests and call terminationrequests; control means for starting a call during an internetconnection, wherein said control means controls said call meansdepending on signals from said call connection request acceptance meansindicating call termination or call origination; timer means forgenerating a signal every specific interval, image input means, voiceinput means, wherein image and audio information is acquired around theportable telephone set by said image input means and said voice inputmeans, and; means for sending the information around the portabletelephone set to the internet every specific interval.
 5. A portabletelephone comprising: internet connection means fortransmitting/receiving internet information; call means fortransmitting/receiving sound signals; call connection request acceptancemeans for accepting call origination requests and call terminationrequests; control means for starting a call during an internetconnection, wherein said control means controls said call meansdepending on signals from said call connection request acceptance meansindicating call termination or call origination; image input means,voice input means, wherein image and audio information is acquiredaround the portable telephone set by said image input means and saidvoice input means, and; means for sending the information around theportable telephone set to the internet according to a request from atrigger signal.
 6. A portable telephone comprising: internet connectionmeans for transmitting/receiving internet information; call means fortransmitting/receiving sound signals; call connection request acceptancemeans for accepting call origination requests and call terminationrequests; control means for starting a call during an internetconnection, wherein said control means controls said call meansdepending on signals from said call connection request acceptance meansindicating call termination or call origination; and means for notifyinga facsimile number of a caller of other contact information when a callfrom the caller is not answered by the portable telephone set.